LIST OF SWISS BANKS

List of Swiss Banks — What It Means, Bank Types, How to Open an Account (Residents & Non-Residents)

A list of Swiss banks organizes the institutions licensed in Switzerland’s highly regulated market into practical categories: universal/large banks, cantonal banks (state-affiliated regionals), cooperatives & retail banks, private/wealth banks, online/direct banks, and foreign-owned banks operating in Switzerland. Product menus typically include CHF/EUR/USD current accounts, cards, savings & term deposits, investment & custody, mortgages, personal/SME loans, and private-banking mandates.

Types of banks in Switzerland

• Large / universal banks — full retail, corporate and wealth platforms.
• Cantonal banks — one per canton (most with an explicit or partial state guarantee), strong local presence.
• Cooperative / retail banks — e.g., Raiffeisen; member-owned, community footprint.
• Private banks (wealth) — discretionary/advisory mandates, cross-border expertise, higher minimums.
• Online / direct banks — digital accounts, brokerage, multi-currency cards.
• Foreign groups in CH — subsidiaries/branches serving Swiss or international clients under Swiss rules.

Do & Don’t when opening a Swiss account

• Do check eligibility (resident vs. non-resident, country lists), minimum balances, and fees (account, cards, custody).
• Do prepare full KYC/AML: passport/ID, proof of address, tax residency self-cert (CRS/FATCA), and source of funds/wealth.
• Do confirm onboarding method: branch visit, video-ident, or relationship-managed private banking.
• Don’t pay “upfront activation” or “release” fees to third parties — use only official bank channels and published price lists.
• Don’t omit tax information or beneficiary ownership; non-disclosure can mean refusal or closure.

Typical documentation

• Identity: Passport/ID, residency permit if applicable; PEP/sanctions screening.
• Address: Recent proof (utility/bank statement); for non-residents, foreign address accepted by policy.
• Tax data: CRS/FATCA self-certification (TINs), W-forms where relevant.
• Financials: Income statements, bank statements; for wealth/private accounts, detailed Source of Funds/Wealth.

Important: Non-resident onboarding is offered by many Swiss banks but often with enhanced due diligence, higher fees and/or minimums. Always confirm current terms on the bank’s official site.